Thermoelectric Hydrogel Electronic Skin for Passive Multimodal Physiological Perception.

Abstract

Electronic skins (e-skins) are being extensively researched for their ability to recognize physiological data and deliver feedback via electrical signals. However, their wide range of applications is frequently restricted by the indispensableness of external power supplies and single sensory function. Here, we report a passive multimodal e-skin for real-time human health assessment based on a thermoelectric hydrogel. The hydrogel network consists of poly(vinyl alcohol)/low acyl gellan gum with [Fe(CN)6]4-/3- as the redox couple. The introduction of glycerol and Li+ furnishes the gel-based e-skin with antidrying and antifreezing properties, a thermopower of 2.04 mV K-1, fast self-healing in less than 10 min, and high conductivity of 2.56 S m-1. As a prospective application, the e-skin can actively perceive multimodal physiological signals without the need for decoupling, including body temperature, pulse rate, and sweat content, in real time by synergistically coupling sensing and transduction. This work offers a scientific basis and designs an approach to develop passive multimodal e-skins and promotes the application of wearable electronics in advanced intelligent medicine.